Metropolitan Pavel: All Orthodox shrines must be returned to believers
Metropolitan Pavel of Vyshhorod and Chornobyl. Photo: lavra.ua
Metropolitan Pavel, abbot of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, said that all Orthodox shrines must be returned to believers in order to stop their destruction. He said this in an address published on the YouTube channel of the Lavra on the feast day of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.
According to the bishop, today there is no religious freedom in Ukraine, and the churches seized from the UOC are in desolation.
“There is a temple in honor of St. Nicholas on the upper territory of the Lavra. Unfortunately, it is in disrepair now. …> Today we are talking about religious tolerance, we are talking about religious freedom. We don't have any of that. Today, the shrines must be returned to believers. They must not be destroyed. Believers do not ask the state for money. But the shrines belong to the people of God, the believing people. They are in our country and belong to our country – they cannot belong to anyone else. But they must be used what they are intended for,” said Metropolitan Pavel.
As the UOJ reported, the head of the Ministry of Culture, Oleksandr Tkachenko, said that there would be handicrafts in the Lower Lavra once the UOC was out.
Read also
DESS finds Balta Eparchy of UOC affiliated with ROC
Yelensky-headed state service said it found signs of affiliation of the Balta Eparchy Administration of the UOC with the ROC.
Upper Lavra court hearing postponed
The next court hearing in the Upper Lavra case has been scheduled for November 3.
UOC priest blesses ambulances at Kamianske medical center
A UOC priest in Kamianske blessed ambulances for a medical facility and wished its doctors God's help in their work.
Dumenko to German ambassador: Law targeting UOC also applies to other groups
Epifaniy Dumenko sought to defend Ukraine’s law restricting religious organizations during a meeting with the German ambassador.
Activists bused to court hearings in UOC cases, media say
A minibus has been spotted transporting protesters to and from courthouses where UOC cases are being heard.
Firefighters save historic UOC church from fire in Zakarpattia
A fire broke out at a UOC church in the Tiachiv district, damaging the altar and church furnishings.